Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intelligence (LPBI) Group

Ashwin R. Kumar, BSc, MSc(c), Research Associate 2, Synthetic Biology in Drug Discovery

Academic Mentor: Prof. Stephen J. Williams, PhD

Roles @LPBI Group – The plan for Academic Internship for 2023/2024

Project #1: Study two methods for Medical Text Analysis with Machine Learning Algorithms:

Method A: Wolfram Language for Biological Sciences and LPBI Workflow of Eight Steps

WORKFLOW for a Eight-Steps Medical Text Analysis Operation using NLP on LPBI Medical and Life Sciences Content

https://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2021/07/15/workflow-for-a-ten-steps-medical-text-analysis-operation-using-nlp-on-lpbi-medical-and-life-sciences-content/

Method B:

ChatGPT + Wolfram PlugIn

Medicine with GPT-4 & ChatGPT

BioGPT

Completion of training and application of Project #1 are leading to a verifiable Certificate in Medical Text Analysis with NLP and GPT

• The Pilot Study for Medical Text Analysis will access:

1. Data Set #1: 74 Text Podcasts
2. Data Set #2: 74 Text Galectins Articles

• We wish to experiment with

A. Wolfram Plug-In for ChatGPT for 1 & 2, above

B. BioGPT for 1 & 2, above

C. We wish to compare the results of A1 with B1

D. We wish to compare the results of A2 with B2

	Wolfram’s PlugIn for ChatGPT-4 A	BioGPT B
74 Text Podcasts	Expected better performance
2. 74 Text Galectins Articles		Expected better performance

Project #2: Synthetic Biology in Drug Discovery

Application of knowledge and skills

• from Project #1, above
• from Software programs on Synthetic Biology in Drug Discovery
• to drug discovery of Galectins induction for angiogenesis benefits [Guidance by Dr. Justin D. Pearlman, MD, PhD, FACC and Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD, RN] in the discovery of innovative Cardiovascular therapeutics
• drug discovery in-Silicon [Guidance by Prof. Williams]

Completion of training and application of Project #1 are leading to a verifiable Certificate in Synthetic Biology in Drug Discovery [Cardiovascular Diseases]

12 Categories of Research of interest to pursue further knowledge, include the following:

BIO

Ashwin R. Kumar

rak210@pitt.edu

 +412-450-2670

Profile

Pharmaceutical Science graduate with a solid foundation in protein biochemistry, computational methodologies, and medicinal chemistry. Have a burning desire to investigate the intersection of computational modeling, and drug discovery and synthesis. Possess extensive experience in performing conformational studies, in silico property generation, and pharmacophore modeling, utilizing cutting edge computational chemistry software and libraries for drug discovery (HTS, LBDD, SBDD) using Schrodinger/SYBYLX and drug developmental techniques. Leveraging my expertise in machine learning and predictive modeling, I have successfully applied advanced algorithms to enhance drug discovery processes. With a passion for integrating interdisciplinary approaches, I bring a unique combination of computational chemistry, data science, and pharmaceutical knowledge to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics. Eagerly seeking an opportunity to contribute my expertise in preclinical drug. Discovery within a dynamic biotech startup

 

Education

University of Pittsburgh	Sept 2022 – present
MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences	3.6/4.00 (IInd semester)
Introduction to AI & ML techniques in Drug Discovery (UDEMY)	Jan 2023 Certificate No: UC-d24ab534-28dd-4c74-b210-ef3f7324e119
100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp (UDEMY)	July 2023 Certificate No: UC-h7tb762-93hf-2g62-n138-wd4x3701z154
Introduction To Python Programming (UDEMY)	March 2019 Certificate No: UC-k83vh263-03bq-8n49-a201-ik5c6720c092
Indira Gandhi National Open University	2021
Post-Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry	Ist Division
Indira Gandhi National Open University	2021
Post-Graduate Certificate in Patent Practice	IInd Division
Indian Science Communication Society	2020-2021
Diploma in Science Journalism	Distinction
Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India	2011–2013
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry	Ist Division
Hansraj College, University of Delhi, India	2008–2011
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Hons) in Chemistry	Distinction

        

Laboratory Experience

Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh	Feb 2023-present
Design antibodies targeting specific subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels (TRPM8) to modulate their activity and attenuate pain signals associated with neuropathic pain. The project involves steps such as target selection, antibody design and optimization, antibody generation and screening, in vitro and in vivo validation and affinity maturation. (Mentor: Zhiwei Feng)
Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh	Sept 2022-Feb 2023
Design and synthesis of TRPM8 antagonists for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Using molecular docking techniques and TRP channel cryo-EM insights, identify promising drug candidates with high affinity for TRPM8 receptors. Additionally, optimize drug delivery methods through computational modeling, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects. (Mentor: V. Blair Journigan).               (In review at ACS-JMC)
Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology at Delhi, India	April 2015 – June 2015
Study of the Water based Polymerization and in-situ Fabrication of 3D porous scaffold for development and evaluation of polycaprolactone for controlled delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2 in a rat model of bone defect. (Mentor: Rajiv Srivastava, PhD).
Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology at Roorkee, India	Dec 2013 – Feb 2015
Study of the synthesis of Electron Donors appended Carboxyphenyl Substituted Porphyrin Zn(II) complexes for studying metalloenzyme catalysed oxygen transport with application in photodynamic therapy. QM/MM, DFT, MD simulations, docking, and TD-DFT were used to study the electronic structure, dynamics, binding properties, and photophysical properties of the porphyrin complexes, aiding in their design and optimization for metalloenzyme catalysed oxygen transport and photodynamic therapy. (Mentor: M. Sankar, PhD).
Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology at Roorkee, India	Jan 2013 – May 2013
Study of the synthesis of novel Heterocyclic Chromene derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents. (Mentor: S. Sondhi, Retired Professor).
Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, India	Dec 2012 – Jan 2013
Study of Oxidation of Phenol using synthesized Y- Zeolite and the characterization of the obtained product using GC, NMR, HPLC and IR. (Mentor: N.G. Ramesh, PhD).

Courses Taken

ML (convolutional neural networks (CNNs) or recurrent neural networks (RNNs), to capture complex patterns in drug target interaction data.	Pharmacology (focusing on drug targets and their efficacy)	Virtual Screening and Lead Optimization (Structure-based Docking, Reinforcement Learning)
Biochemistry (focusing on protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics, and metabolic pathways)	Structural biology (focusing on structural analysis)	Medicinal chemistry (focusing on QSAR and synthesis)

 

Publication

Third author in a research article on Binding Capabilities, 2016

‘Synthesis of electrochemical and complexation studies of Zn(II) aryloxyporphyrin with Fullerene’ published in the International Journal, Journal of Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine, JPP, Singapore. (DOI 10.1142/S1088424616500656) (ISSN-10884246)

 

Work Experience

Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intelligence (LPBI) Group

September 2023 – Present

Research Associate 2, Synthetic Biology in Drug Discovery

• For description, See Roles at LPBI Group, above

 

Business Development Consultant, Fourth River Solutions	May 2023 – present
Provided specialized input in business development services to clients (Bluesphere Bio, Pittsburgh, USA), including product development, FDA regulations on T-cell therapy approaches. Conducted market research and competitive analysis for the same.

Director of Finance, Nucleate Pittsburgh	April 2023-present
Responsible for overseeing financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, budget management, financial reporting, risk management, and decision support. Provide strategic financial guidance, ensure compliance with regulations, manage financial relationships, and contribute to the overall financial health of the organization.
Senior Lead Content and Business Developer at BYJUS Pvt Ltd	Feb 2018-Aug 2022
Team Leader for 15 people who created original content for the website and advertising that included copywriting, graphics, and technical work amenable to the desired curriculum. Responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing strategies to promote growth and profitability for a company. Evaluating organizational needs and recommending suitable technical solutions. Making recommendations for technology infrastructure, software, and equipment. Analysing company activities to ensure resources are used efficiently.
Associate Professor (Chemistry) at FITJEE Pvt Ltd	Sep 2015- Jan 2018
Teaching Chemistry to students; conducting training workshops for newly recruited faculties. serving as a capacity builder and resource person for content creation and evaluation; active member of research and development team, participating in faculty development programs to enhance pedagogic skills; supervisor of several laboratory projects, remedial classes, and counselling sessions; a part of mentoring committees for students. Held training sessions on team building, coaching, and mentoring, emotional intelligence, change management, project management, and cultural competency.

 

Fellowship and Scholarship

• Awarded Junior Research Fellowship by the Department of Research and Development Organization (DRDO), 2013- 15
• Awarded Junior Research Fellowship by the Department of Science and Technology(DST), 2015
• Awarded Merit cum Means Scholarship during graduate and post-graduate studies, 2008-13

 

Qualified Exams

• GRE (General) 321/ 340 (Quant-163, Verbal-158, AWA-4.5), 2020
• TOEFL – 105/120, 2020
• NET- CSIR Chemistry (Certification to teach at University level in India), 2015

 

Workshops and Papers presented

• Participated in a week-long training program on “Emerging trends in Nanomaterials for electronic and optoelectronic devices” organized by Swarnandhra College of Engineering and Technology, 2021
• Participated in a month-long faculty development program on ‘Faculty Induction Training/ Orientation’ workshop under the Ministry of Education sponsored by PMMMNMTT at Ramanujan College, 2021.
• Resource Person of ‘Chemistry Camp’ organized at Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee where the neighboring schools were invited to visit the labs and develop an aptitude for science and scientific temper, 2012 and 2013
• Participated in a Lecture Workshop series, ‘Brainwave: Inspiring Young Minds’ under the education program of the Science Academies- Indian National Science Academy at Delhi, National Academy of Sciences at Allahabad, and Indian Academy of Sciences at Bangalore, 2011.
• Participated in ‘Awareness of Consumer Rights’, a workshop conducted by TULA, the Miranda House Consumer Club, University of Delhi, 2009.
• Presented a paper on ‘Molecular Spectroscopy and Structural Elucidation’ in intercollegiate seminar competition organized by Department of Chemistry, Hindu College, University of Delhi, 2009

 

Services

• Department Coordinator for graduate students at American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists at University of Pittsburgh (2022-present)
• Department Coordinator in Cognizance, the Annual Technical Fest at Indian Institute of Technology at Roorkee in 2012
• President of the Chemical Society, ‘Keme’ of the Department of Chemistry at Hansraj College (2009- 2011)
• Undergone First-aid training and certified by St. John Ambulance Association and the Times Foundation (2009)
• Member of the Dramatics Society at Hansraj College, University of Delhi (2008-2011).